I have been looking over what I have written & I see that I have not given you much news for I have but little to give - and you will pardon me for indulging in my own thoughts for when I get to writing to you the task is so pleasant that I sometimes loose myself in my wild speculations - for I feel such a freedom of thought - & I sometimes close without giving you many little items that might interest you more - you will excuse me for it wont you?  I have heard nothing yet from Cyrus - I have written to him & shall continue to do so.  If you will write to him - directing by way of Louisville Ky - I think his Co is M - it will surely reach him.  I hope you will write to him, give him items from home write in such a way as will make him think of home with some anxiety - it will have a good effect on him.  I have the plan of interesting him & of inspiring him with a love for home to your tact - I wish they would all write to him - he thinks some of them don't care any thing about him some of the small ones don't - neither do they for you or I - but there are those who do. - I have sold my watch for 25 dollars by my absence I have not drawn any money yet - There will soon be six mo due me. I will most likely need part of it to get clothes &c with as I deem my promotion as almost certain the Col told me a week ago that my commission would be here in 2 - 3 weeks. but it is best not to "count the chickens before they they are hatched" don't make calculations on as absolutely certain. for if I fail we would each feel much disappointed - It cost me all except $8.00 - of what I had to reach N.O. I loaned $1.00 to each of three of the boys - the other 5 I ate up at Carlton at the Convalescent Camp. Convalescent Camps & hospitals where men are half fed - & no sanitary is no place for me unless I had plenty of money - & this reminds me that the benevolent societies are to meet or have met in Des Moines - to council Ostensibly for the good of soldiers but some of really to fill their own pockets. & you say you have never Joined any of them yet - I don't wish my wife to take part in any such humbugs - I could collect enough evidence now as there are many of the 23 who have returned from the hospitals -  to fill the Register with stronger doses than I gave before - the facts would astonish every one I may at some future time but not Just now - John Sherril came to the Regiment - last Friday night - he & F Campbell, Marion & I are tenting together - nearly all the men in the Reg are in the best of health Barton will preach at 3 P.M. it is nearly that time now & I believe I will stop writing & walk down on the beach awhile & watch the waves lash the shore good bye my dear one, well I have been out on the shore with T Saylor & sunday as it was I picked up a few sea shells - I wish I could hand them over to you, some of them are verry fine - I have at different times collected quite a variety & intend to take some of them home to help adorn our center table, when we build our cottage. I have been think more this last week than usual about building & about home. I have drawn several plans  for a house.  You will think this is premature but I have to be employed at something - & building castles in the air or on paper is a very good thing to keep children out of mischief.  When you write tell me all about how you are getting along - keep nothing back & your health how is it with you -- has the weather turned verry cold? - is there good sleighing - did Mr. David take Bert & how is Wickham doing - & any news you get of the movements of the 8th Cav I am anxious to 2 - 3 more letters from you as there must be some due here now - it will take the mail about - 16 day to come from DesMoines here direct & sometimes it will be delayed - I know that you must have been in suspense to hear from me after we left Algiers. for it must have been at least a month before my letters would reach you from here after you recd mine written at Algiers - dress parade.  I must go, dress parade & supper over - Two steamers have Just came in loaded with soldiers - I hope to get letters from home. if I should I will put in a slip & risk the extra postage - for I have more to say - although I have written quite a long & closely written letter if there is not much in it.  ever your husband  Lyle
